Abstract:

Coastal Carolina University is a public mid-sized comprehensive liberal arts institution with approximately nine thousand students that follows a teacher scholar model. CCU is experiencing the same retention issues in math and science that have been documented nationally in STEM disciplines in the United States. The First-year Experience (FYE) course in The College of Natural and Applied Science introduces technology in the classroom in FYE (a 3-credit course focusing on creative and critical thinking).

Through the building and deployment of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) students are introduced to STEM disciplines. The curriculum is designed to engage freshmen in an applied and investigative project guided by the scientific method to identify an interdisciplinary problem: connecting the touchstone of experiential learning; a hands-on experience actively engages students in experimental design, application and problem solving. Student initiated applications in the past have included: incorporation of data logging sensors, marine archeology exploration, navigating an obstacle course, spatially relevant physical sampling and analysis, and innovation through aesthetics developing pride of ownership. The program provides a foundation for the earlier exploration of the scope and breadth of STEM disciplines targeting increased student engagement and retention in the sciences.

Creating a climate and culture in the College of Natural and Applied Sciences that supports student success through enlisting technology and interdisciplinary teams is one of the primary goals of the program. By working with faculty, peer leaders (upperclassmen), and technicians in the Center for Marine and Wetland Studies teams of four students engage in a semester long project focused on a “technical mission” through experiential learning.

The National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE) has eight core principles for best practices in experiential education that are incorporated to the ROV experience at Coastal Carolina University. The ROV program seeks to integrate all eight of these principles into the first-year students’ learning experience as it relates to science and the study of science through post secondary education. Being incorporated into the University’s First Year Experience Course the initiative is a large-scale effort to engage large numbers students at the earliest possible stage of the university career to explore, pursue, connect with and succeed in critical STEM disciplines. This is accomplished through both individual development and experience and facilitating connection with and engagement with University resources and diverse and active professionals.

Keywords:

Experiential learning, Freshmen engagement, STEM disciplines, critical thinking and problem solving.